{"product_id":"exo-terra-sub-stratum-bioactive-volcanic-substrate","title":"Exo Terra Bioactive Volcanic Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Exo Terra Bioactive Volcanic Substrate is a natural volcanic soil harvested from the mineral-rich foothills of the Aso Volcano in Japan. Formed from andesitic and rhyolitic tephra, it brings genuine bioactive function to planted terrariums — supporting plant growth, waste decomposition, and a self-sustaining microbial ecosystem in one substrate. Available in a range of sizes to suit different enclosure scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere It Comes From and What's In It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is not a manufactured growing medium — it is collected volcanic soil (Andisol) with inherent mineral richness, enhanced with active carbon and live beneficial bacteria (\u003cem\u003eBacillus\u003c\/em\u003e species). The result is a substrate that arrives ready to work, activating as soon as it contacts moisture or biological waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat It Does for the Terrarium\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive \u003cem\u003eBacillus\u003c\/em\u003e bacteria break down organic waste including uneaten food and animal waste\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive carbon eliminates ammonia and odours by trapping decomposed matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePorous, low-density structure provides excellent drainage and root aeration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh mineral content — calcium, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus — promotes strong, lush plant growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports a thriving population of nitrifying bacteria for a genuinely self-sustaining ecosystem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThree Ways to Use It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis substrate is versatile enough to work across different bioactive builds. Use it as a sole substrate layer, as a dedicated drainage and bacterial sub-layer beneath a topsoil such as plantation soil, or mixed directly into other organic substrates to enrich them with minerals and improve water retention. When used as a drainage layer, pairing it with an inorganic drainage base and a mesh separator prevents saturation and keeps anaerobic bacteria from outcompeting the beneficial colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePractical Setup Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen used as a sole substrate, a layer depth of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) is recommended. Adding leaf litter on top helps retain moisture in lower layers while providing surface cover and shelter for terrarium inhabitants and clean-up crew organisms. The substrate should be partially replaced on an annual basis — rinsing rather than full disposal preserves the established bacterial population.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility with Bioactive Builds\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSub Stratum works well alongside drainage media and biological topsoils to create a fully stratified bioactive setup. Its water retention and aeration properties make it particularly effective as a root zone layer when planting directly into the terrarium, with surface-rooting plants anchored in a finer topsoil above.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the bag size that matches your enclosure and the depth of substrate layer you are building — having enough volume to achieve the correct layer depth is essential for the bacteria and drainage properties to function as intended.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peregrine","offers":[{"title":"2kg","offer_id":54176648921425,"sku":"SHS001","price":9.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":54176648954193,"sku":"SHS002","price":17.91,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/products\/exo-terra-sub-stratum-bioactive-volcanic-substrate","provider":"Viperia UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}